When I started my diet at the beginning of the year I cut way back on one of my guilty pleasures: coffee house drinks. I just knew if I kept indulging myself I would fall off the wagon. Just walking by the coffee shop here on the island makes my mouth water. Thinking of a Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte or an Iced Caffè Mocha and the fact I may never have another is a sad thought. I mean come on, giving up either of those is like cutting off my big toes and trying to balance – nearly impossible!

So – what does a girl who’s determined to live healthier do to satisfy those cravings? She goes to Walmart and shops the Dairy section, of course! Did you know International Delights has light Iced Coffee now? For real – no joking. It’s like they heard my pleas and answered my call for help. I reached the dairy section and there it was – that beautiful offering of International Delight Light IcedCoffee. I’m almost positive I’m a late comer because almost all the slots were empty. I was really hoping for a Light Caramel Macchiato but no luck there. I did pick up the Mocha & Vanilla Iced Coffee cartons. Oh did I have big plans for them! You can see more from my shopping trip in my Google+ album.

I managed to make it home without opening either carton. That may not seem like a big deal to you but it had been weeks – not hours – since I last had caffeine. I cradled the cartons in my arms like they were twin babies. I was dying for coffee! Do you know what lack of coffee does to a person? To a mom?!

So, picture this: I get home and set my 2 cartons of International Delight Light Iced Coffee on the counter. Don’t laugh at me but I was a little starstruck. Maybe it was the caffeine addiction kicking up or maybe it was my minds continuous uttering of “Get in my belly!” but I stood there for at least 5 minutes staring. It wasn’t until John came into the room and asked “Are ya just gonna stand there or are you gonna do something with it?” I took that as a threat of “If you don’t hurry up I’m stealing them for myself” so I grabbed the blender.

I tossed some ice into the blender (9 cubes) and measured out 2 cups of the Mocha Iced Coffee and poured that into the blender with a cup of cooled espresso John brewed. So I set the blender on smoothie and let it run its course. I wont lie, drool was involved in the waiting period. Just the pre-blender taste test had me hooked. I topped the drink off with a little fat-free whipped cream and oh my heck! It is so creamy and delicious and totally what I needed.

Maybe it’s because it was the first I had in a long time but that Iced Caffè Mocha was the best thing I had put in my mouth in months. Unbelievably delicious – sinful even. Actually it was almost sinless with only a little over 100 calories. Mmhmm – to say I was pleased is the understatement of the year.

I didn’t want to stop there. I wanted to take it up a notch and put the Vanilla Light Iced Coffee to the test. I already knew what I wanted to make with it. I wanted to recreate my grandmother’s cornstarch pudding. It was something she made for me when I went to visit and it was heaven in a glass every time. Making the pudding her way is super easy so I thought about how I could use the Vanilla Iced Coffee in the recipe. I was actually able to replace 2 ingredients (vanilla and milk) with the Vanilla Light Iced Coffee. All I had to do was add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to 1 cup of the Vanilla Iced Coffee. I brought it to a boil, whisking constantly until it thickened up.

I have so many other ideas in mind for the International Delight Iced Coffee. The fact I can do so much with it and not feel guilty ensures it’s a permanent staple in my fridge.

What about you? Have you tried International Delight Light Iced Coffee yet? Head out to Walmart and visit the dairy section, you have to pick some up! You should also follow International Delights for fabulous recipes and more ideas for reduced calorie treats you wont feel guilty enjoying.

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Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and WhiteWave #CBias #SocialFabric